5 key players missing through injury this season

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Andre Ayew of West Ham United shakes hands with N'Golo Kante of Chelsea as he leaves the field injured during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) — Kante consoles an upset Ayew after he picks up an injury

#4 Casemiro – Real Madrid

LA CORUNA, SPAIN - MAY 14: Casemiro of Real Madrid reacts during the La Liga match between RC Deportivo La Coruna and Real Madrid CF at Riazor Stadium on May 14, 2016 in La Coruna, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) — Casemiro has quickly become one of the best midfielders in Spain

After a stunning start to the season where Zinedine Zidane equalled Pep Guardiola's record for the number of games won in a row, Real Madrid has had a rough patch with four draws in four games in all competitions. And one player has been missing for each of these four fixtures – Casemiro. Coincidence? Certainly not!

The young Brazillian who barely featured in the first few games under Zidane has quickly cemented his spot in the side and has been the foundation for the team. When Real Madrid won their last 12 games in the 2015-16 season, Casemiro started 10 of the games. The only two games he missed were against Rayo Vallecano and Getafe, both sides who have been relegated this season. Clearly, the Brazillian youngster is vital for Zidane’s team.

Casemiro who generally plays the holding role for Real Madrid was replaced by Toni Kroos, a player who more of a creative/attacking midfielder. Since then, Real Madrid has looked vulnerable when defending. The midfielder is expected to return towards the end of October.

Edited by Staff Editor